Nominations sought for interim research VP Vice President Peter Alfonso has resigned his position as vice president for research effective Feb. 20. This is to solicit expressions of interest in serving and nominations for service in an interim role as Vice President for Research until a national search can be conducted. Anyone who serves in the interim role would be eligible for consideration for the permanent position. I want to thank Peter Alfonso for all of his work leading the research enterprise at the University of North Dakota for the past four years. He helped build our research enterprise and he has laid the foundation for future growth and successes. Peter and his wife, Polly, have been terrific, contributing members of the UND administrative team. We all join in wishing them the best. A national search will be launched shortly after the beginning of the new year. -- Charles Kupchella, president.